Lockheed Martin Australia has announced the appointment of Mike Scott as Program Director and Julia Dickinson as Chief Engineer, Military Satellite Communications, to support the company’s growing space capabilities.

In a May 21 statement, the company said the appointments demonstrate Lockheed Martin Australia’s continued investment in the nation’s space capability and commitment to growing a long-term and sustainable space presence in Australia.

Mike Scott’s role will provide project management to the company’s Australian space program. He comes to the role with experience in senior positions across the defence, rail, and mining sectors, including 15 years in the RAAF. He has worked on various projects including the in-country modification of the RAAF’s E-7A Wedgetail, the ADF’s High Frequency Communications System, and command and control systems for both the RAAF and the Army.

“Lockheed Martin is the world’s largest space business with unrivalled capabilities in Australia and around the globe,” Scott said. “I am excited to join Lockheed Martin Australia as it continues to grow its significant portfolio of space capabilities and services and realise new opportunities.”

As Chief Engineer, Military Satellite Communications, Julia Dickinson will be responsible for the overall Australian engineering performance for Lockheed Martin’s JP9102 SATCOM program solution. She joins Lockheed Martin Australia from NBN Co where she was the lead technical authority for the space segment of the national broadband provider’s satellite program. Dickinson has also worked as satellite operations director at Worldspace, and with OPTUS Satellite for 12 years in satellite procurement and operations. 

“With Lockheed Martin’s rich heritage, industrial capability and commitment to working with local industry and research partners, I am thrilled to join a company that is contributing so significantly to the development of Australia’s space-oriented industries and technologies,” she said. “I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to Australia’s future satellite communications capabilities.”

David Ball, Regional Director Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) of Lockheed Martin Space said he was delighted about the appointments and looked forward to working with Mike and Julia to support further growth in the Australian space industry. 

“The appointments of Mike and Julia represent a key part of the growth strategy for Lockheed Martin Space,” he said. “Both bring a wealth of experience and are highly regarded in the space community. Their appointments demonstrate Lockheed Martin Australia’s commitment to building both local and international capability and I am pleased to welcome Mike and Julia to the Lockheed Martin Space team.”